Background: In this study we investigate the frequency and mortality of acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) after pulmonary resection.
Methods: Patients that underwent pulmonary resection at the Royal Brompton Hospital between 1991 and 1997 were included. The case notes of all patients developing postoperative complications were retrospectively reviewed.
Results: The overall combined frequency of ALI and ARDS was 3.9%. The frequency was higher in patients over 60 years of age, males and those undergoing resection for lung cancer. ALI/ARDS caused 72.5% of the total mortality after resection in this series.
Conclusions: In our experience ALI and ARDS are major causes of mortality after lung resection.